Beyond Expectations

"""As a fellow rider, I have such admiration for Syd. And now after reading Beyond Expectations, I am so inspired by her story and facing seemingly insurmountable challenges both in and out of the saddle. Her story inspires us to ride toward the obstacles in life head on--and tackle them one jump at a time--much like she has also done so successfully in Paralympic competition."" --Carson Kressley, Emmy-winning TV personality and World Champion equestrian ""I have known of Syd for quite a few years because of her equestrian accomplishments. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet through our mutual personal trainer in Wellington. I was always inspired by her cheerfulness and tenacity in her workouts. Because of this, I was honored and excited to be asked to be one of the first people to read her advanced copy of her memoir Beyond Expectations. I was curious about her story and her journey towards the successes she has had. Once I started, it was hard to put down. What I learned was that her ability to overcome adversity and her power of positivity was indeed 'Beyond Expectations.' Anyone who reads this memoir will be entertained by and relate to her humor and occasional self-mockery. However, the real lesson to take away is that positive thinking and determination can lead to dreams coming true."" --Beezie Madden, Olympic Gold Medalist in Show Jumping, winner of two FEI World Cup Finals, four-time USEF Equestrian of the Year ""Sydney's journey will inspire and offer hope not only to people with disabilities but to anyone who has a dream. Through pure grit and determination, her life shows us that anything is possible, and nothing should hold you back from reaching your goals. This is an amazing read."" --Ron Davis, Producer/ Director of the film ParaGold ""In her moving memoir, Sydney Collier takes us along on the challenging journey that has been her life and her experience as an athlete and an equestrian. I felt I was right beside her through both her trials and her triumphs. I encourage everyone to get to know this determined young woman. Her book is hard to put down."" --Lendon Gray, two-time Olympian in Dressage, Founder of Dressage4Kids Inc., instructor, coach, and mentor ""Sydney Collier inspired us within the first two hours of meeting her. Her strength and courage, passion and dedication, happiness and positivity, and endless love toward horses has helped her achieve the goals she has wished and hoped for. She is an amazing young woman."" --Beatrice Marienau, International FEI Dressage Competitor and Equestrian Sport Supporter and Michael Marienau, Equestrian Sport Supporter ""I first met Sydney Collier at a Paralympic qualifier in Houston, Texas, when she was 13 years old. I was immediately taken with her radiant and infectious positivity. She was like a breath of fresh air. I was utterly amazed.... It was the first time I truly understood what inspiration meant. Sydney is an immensely unique and special person, and the world can learn a lot from her."" --Courtney King-Dye, Olympian, Para Rider, Blogger, and Author ""Sydney Collier's book, Beyond Expectations, is a gripping memoir, simultaneously heartwarming and heart wrenching. Sydney takes us on 'her ride' from childhood dreams of being an Olympian to the most terrifying battle with a deadly diagnosis. Her story is one of incredible resilience and passion for her sport as well as the amazing people and horses that helped save her life and forge her dreams!"" --Robert Dover, Six-Time Olympian, Technical Advisor to the US Dressage Team 2013-2018, and Founder of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, and author of The Gates to Brilliance"